Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 infection: overview on relevant clinico‐pathological features*

Abstract

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) is a nuclear replicating enveloped virus, usually acquired through direct contact with infected lesions or body fluids (typically saliva). The prevalence of HSV-1 infection increases progressively from childhood, the seroprevalence being inversely related to socioeconomic background. Primary HSV-1 infections in children are either asymptomatic or following an incubation period of about 1 week gives rise to mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions. Herpetic gingivostomatitis typically affects the tongue, lips, gingival, buccal mucosa and the hard and soft palate. Most primary oro-facial HSV infection is caused by HSV-1, infection by HSV-2 is increasingly common. Recurrent infections, which occur at variable intervals, typically give rise to vesiculo-ulcerative lesions at mucocutaneous junctions particularly the lips (herpes labialis). Recurrent HSV-1 infection within the mouth is uncommon in otherwise healthy patients, although in immunocompromised patients, recurrent infection can be more extensive and/or aggressive. The diagnosis of common herpetic infection can usually be based upon the clinical history and presenting features. Confirmatory laboratory diagnosis is, however, required when patients are, or may be, immunocompromised.

Oral complications of cancer and cancer therapy

“…In immunocompromised patients, atypical clinical presentations occur with more extensive or aggressive lesions that may involve keratinized and nonkeratinized sites in the oral cavity. 138 Herpes virus prophylaxis is effective but does not prevent all viral lesions. These may be effectively managed by increasing the dose to therapeutic levels or changing to other antivirals for resistant infection (Table 3).…”

“…149 The diagnosis of herpetic lesions may be based upon clinical appearance and the location of lesions in seropositive patients, although atypical presentation and cases related to cytomegalovirus, EBV, and HHV-6 may require biopsy followed by immunostaining or polymerase chain reaction. 138 For seropositive HCT patients, prophylaxis consists of oral valacyclovir or acyclovir, and if reactivation is confirmed, therapeutic doses may be provided. Valacyclovir, which has better absorption than acyclovir, may be used for prophylaxis.…”

Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnant Women from Gangetic Plain Region of Allahabad, India

“…Infections with both strains are widespread in all human populations and result in persistent and latent infections. HSV-1 is commonly responsible for orofacial infections and is usually transmitted during childhood and adolescence [4]; HSV-2 is more likely to cause genital lesions [5]. Genital herpes may also be caused by HSV-1 [6].…”

Acute Necrotizing Herpetic Tonsillitis: A Report of Two Cases

“…[5]. Recurrent HSV1 infection within the mouth is uncommon in otherwise healthy patients [6]. Factors that activate the latent virus are diverse and encompass trauma, other respiratory tract infections, allergies, cold, sun exposure, stress, among others.…”